Yoga

Morning and Evening Yoga

Rolling Vinyasa (Part 1)

This strengthens the shoulders, triceps, back, and core, building stamina and boosting confidence and endurance. Start on your hands and knees with your hands under your shoulders and your knees under your hips, then tuck your toes under and straighten your legs to come into Downward Facing Dog.

Rolling Vinyasa (Part 2)

From here, start to round the spine beginning at the tailbone. Tuck the chin and roll forward until your shoulders are over your hands (imagine a wave starting at the base of your spine and rippling toward your head).

Rolling Vinyasa (Part 3)

Bend your elbows (keeping them tucked close to the body) and then lower your shoulders and arch your back into Upward Facing Dog. Now reverse the body roll. Starting with the base of your neck, round the back, as if you're pressing the spine against the ceiling. Roll back with a rounded spine, easing slowly into Downward Facing Dog. Do this exercise 3 to 5 times.

Floating Frog, Fighting Frog (Part 1)

This exercise strengthens core and shoulder muscles. It also heightens yang energy, so that you can confront fear, take risks, and move forward. Plus, it improves balance and agility, confidence, assertiveness, and teaches you to get up off the ground and go. Start in Downward Facing Dog. Bend your knees deeply, look between your hands, engage your abs.

Fighting Buddha (Part 1)

This exercise moves you through three states of being -- at peace, defending, and attacking -- without losing your center. Start with a wide, squatting straddle stance, with your toes pointed out and knees bent, hands in prayer.

Sphinx Pose

This exercise helps maintain the natural curvature of the lower spine, which is often flattened by long periods of sitting; stretches the front of the spine and softens any tightness around the heart, which can feed imbalance; creates more space in the lungs, increasing your ability to receive breath, which also helps alleviate depression. Lie on your belly with elbows under shoulders. Look straight ahead. Hold for 3 minutes.

Reclined Twist

This exercise settles the emotional body, creating a sense of calm, while toning and massaging the abdominal organs; opens the outer hips and lower back; aids digestion, elimination, and detoxification, helping restore your body's natural balance. Lie on your back with feet on the floor and knees bent. Cross left knee over the right and drop knees to the right, twisting the torso, keeping as much of your upper back as possible on the ground. If your knees don't come to the floor, place a blanket under them. Left arm stretches out straight along the floor; right hand rests over the torso. Look to the left. Stay 2 to 3 minutes twisted to each side.

Wide Child's Pose

This exercise relieves tension in the hips and lower back; draws attention inward; brings you in touch with your contemplative side; quiets the mind and calms the emotional body. Sit on your shins with your knees bent. Open your knees as wide as they will go (place a blanket underneath your shins if you need more cushioning). Fold forward and rest your head on your stacked palms -- with your arms bent and elbows out to the side. If you have a tight lower back and need more height, rest your forehead on a folded blanket. Stay 3 minutes.

This exercise allows the body to rest and absorb the effects of the session; promotes relaxation, clarity, and calm. Lie on your back with a rolled-up blanket under your knees. Keep your legs separated. Let your arms rest about 6 inches from your body with your palms facing up. Close your eyes and feel your breath gently rise and fall on its own. Let your body sink slowly into the floor as your thoughts grow quiet. Stay in this position for at least 5 minutes, or longer if you like.